Tehran: Student protests have erupted again across major universities in Iran, more than a month after a deadly nationwide crackdown, with demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans and calling for greater freedoms, according to videos verified and shared online.
Student Protests Spread Across Universities
Hundreds of students were seen marching through campuses in Tehran and Mashhad, including at Sharif University of Technology and Amirkabir University of Technology. The demonstrations marked the largest student-led protests since the violent crackdown that followed nationwide unrest last month.
At Sharif University, students carrying Iranian flags chanted slogans such as “Death to the dictator,” referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Protesters also voiced broader anti-government demands and called for political change.
Verified footage showed mostly peaceful marches at first, though clashes later broke out between demonstrators and pro-government supporters. Security forces, including the Basij paramilitary group, were deployed and reportedly used force to disperse crowds.
Demonstrations Reported in Multiple Cities
Additional protests were reported at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, where students staged peaceful sit-ins. In Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city, demonstrators chanted slogans demanding freedom and urged others to join the movement.
Videos circulating online also showed students gathering at medical sciences universities, with calls for further rallies in the coming days. It was not immediately clear whether arrests were made during the latest protests.
Unrest Follows Deadly Crackdown
The renewed protests come weeks after widespread demonstrations triggered by economic hardships, including the sharp decline of Iran’s currency. The unrest expanded into broader anti-government protests across the country.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, thousands of people were killed during the crackdown, including protesters and civilians. Iranian authorities, however, have reported a lower death toll and said many casualties included security personnel and bystanders.
Rising Tensions With United States
The protests are unfolding amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme. US President Donald Trump has warned of potential military action even as diplomatic efforts continue.
The latest demonstrations highlight ongoing domestic unrest and underline the continued political and economic challenges facing Iran’s leadership.